Hwang Kyo-an: "Independent Candidates, If They Cause Division, Party Will Hold Them Accountable"

On the morning of the 26th, the first day of candidate registration for the 21st National Assembly election, Hwang Kyo-ahn, the candidate from the United Future Party running in Jongno-gu, Seoul, is giving his remarks after completing candidate registration at the Jongno-gu Election Commission. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the United Future Party, expressed regret over conflicts and disagreements during the candidate nomination process. Targeting those who defied the party's decision and ran as independents, he sternly warned, "Show the spirit of putting the party before personal interests," and said that if not, they will be held accountable.

On the 26th, Hwang issued a statement regarding the nominations, saying, "The nomination process cannot be perfect."

He stated, "Naturally, there are regrets, and for that, I also feel sorry," adding, "There were conflicts and disagreements during the nomination process, and I regret that the decision-making time was somewhat delayed." This appears to be a reference to recent disturbances such as the Supreme Council overturning the Nomination Committee's decisions related to the United Future Party's nominations.

Nevertheless, Hwang praised the current nomination as a 'three no's (3無) nomination' without factionalism, external pressure, or the party leader's favoritism. He said, "When launching the Nomination Committee, we declared a winning, innovative, and fair nomination, and we blocked the party leader's unfair interference that had become customary," adding, "I am grateful that the Nomination Committee has understood my intentions and the people's wishes well and produced good results before the public."

He also evaluated this nomination as having three significant meanings: ▲a nomination embodying the value of overcoming conservative division through unity and self-renewal of conservatism, ▲a 'system nomination' where the party leader humbly stepped down and maximally respected the independence of the Nomination Committee, and ▲a future-oriented and generational change nomination boldly appointing new political figures such as youth and women.

Regarding senior party members' declarations not to run, he expressed gratitude. Hwang said, "I feel sorry for the sacrifice of experienced multi-term lawmakers stepping down. I have watched with a heavy heart each time, but fortunately, many have shown the virtue of magnanimous acceptance with the spirit of putting the party before personal interests," expressing thanks.

On the other hand, he sent a warning message to independent candidates. Hwang said, "Of course, those who decided to run as independents in protest against being dropped may have personal grievances," but added, "I ask you to once again recall the spirit of putting the party before personal interests and show the true face of conservatism."

He continued, "If my sincere appeal and the people's urgent demands are ignored, and the seeds of division and defeat are sown, the party will not be able to avoid holding you accountable," implying possible expulsion of independent candidates. Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, also issued a permanent expulsion warning to independent candidates.

Hwang said, "Now that the nominations are finalized, we must vigorously move forward in response to the people's call to judge the Moon Jae-in administration and win the general election," emphasizing, "this general election is a crucial election to stop the Moon Jae-in administration's unilateral rule, revive the economy and people's livelihood, and save the Republic of Korea."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.